Sligo face full-strength Sporting in FAI Cup final

Sligo Rovers and Sporting Fingal go head-to head in the final of the FAI Ford Cup at Tallaght Stadium this afternoon, kick-off 3pm.

Sporting have a clean bill of health for the trip to Tallaght as defender John Frost comes back into contention after shaking off a hamstring stain and there are no suspensions.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “It’s the first time for a dozen weeks I’ve a full squad to choose from and that always gives a manager confidence.

“I know we’re capable of being competitive in this final. Sligo Rovers will rightly be favourites given their experience and ability to match the best of them in the top-flight. Paul Cook is a manager I respect and he’ll have his players motivated to give their loyal fans something to cheer about in Tallaght Stadium.

“For us, it’s going to be a fantastic occasion. The journey of the club has brought us to places we could only have dreamed of when we entered the league last season, so we won’t stop believing.

“There’s a great determination amongst these players as they’ve shown by emerging from three play-off matches in the space of six days. They want to complete the campaign on a high by doing the fans and the rest of the First Division teams proud on this historic day.”

Rovers will be without their midfield general and captain Conor O'Grady for the final. O'Grady is serving a one match suspension and will be watching from the sidelinees.

Goalkeeper Richard Brush had his cast removed this week and is fighting to gain a place in the squad.

The remainder of the squad are injury free and await what will no doubt be a fantastic occassion at Tallaght Stadium.